Boat To Sacred Selja Island

OVERVIEW

Explore the medieval monastery on Selja, a sacred island where Sunniva – Norway’s only female saint – lived in the 10th century. You will reach Selja on an extraordinarily scenic cruise through the Ulvesundet Strait, past a number of other barren islands and on to the stark monastery. Benedictine monks built this holy site, whose stone tower still remains, rising above the excavated ruins of the other structures. While wandering about the serene setting, you will hear the legend of Saint Sunniva, which is recorded in three differences sources, all more than a thousand years old. In essence, she was an Irish princess that fled an arranged marriage to a heathen Viking chief. Sunniva lived in a cave on Selja, where a miracle occurred resulting in her sainthood. If you climb the tower steps, you will be rewarded with an incredible view. You might also drink from a spring whose waters can supposedly heal.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise to sacred Selja Island, a pilgrimage site with a medieval monastery.
• Hear the legend of Sunniva and the miracle that led to her being sainted.
• See the cave where Sunniva lived in the 10th century and explore the monastery.
• Take in the gorgeous views from the monastery tower and drink from a sacred spring.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.